I think perhaps since I see a "chip" for 3 LEDs in each segement, that the hardware manufacturer gives me only enough control to "control" 100 LEDs (in sets of 3) even though there are 300 LEDs ..
So they can advertise as 300 LEDS !!!! - but you can only control 100 ... BASTARDS !

Regardless - the 3 to 1 problem will still work to pimp the mini-van .. so the next real hurdle is to get this working on an esp8266 ..

Well, the manufacturers of your strand certainly are a bunch of scammers... As for the ESP problem, the ESP series microcontrollers use 3.3V logic levels instead of 5V, so powering the strand with 5V and using an ESP would cause erratic behavior. Powering the strand with 3.3V would correct the problem, or using a logic level shifter on the ESP pins.

And when I look at the description they DO say 100 ICs .. I didn't know what that meant .. now I do :)

Honestly, I can't complain really about the strand, it works with an Uno, and maybe with your suggestion I'll get it working with the esp8266. Single pixel control doesn't really matter in this case either since they will be pointing down illuminating the street below and making the van totally dope. Hmmm giant subwoofers suddenly come to mind :D